ZIP Code 56137 in Heron Lake, MN

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Heron Lake, Minnesota
Counties:Jackson County[Primary]
Cottonwood County
Nobles County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:8:34:42 PM
Population:1,051 [See All]
Area Codes:507 / 924
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:43.8551, -95.3387
Land Area:112.878 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 56137 has 1,051 residents and 430 households (average 2.40 persons per household). The median age is 45.2 years, older than the state (38.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.2% male and 47.8% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.1%, much higher than the state average of 77.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:1,051Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:1,091Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:866Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:9.3 people per sq mile
Average Income:$68,500Source: Census ACS
Households:430Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$114,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.40Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.80Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--1,0301,0791,0581,0971,0681,1481,1421,1411,1711,0841,0611,1041,091
Decennial Census1,149------------------1,051------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 45.2

Male Median Age: 44.1

Female Median Age: 46.6

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male303349452028272032213439434233241019
Female302836292621212524302937403828171825
Total606185744649484556516376838061412844
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:93684.25%
Black:100.90%
Hispanic:*988.82%
Asian:70.63%
American Indian:00%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:605.40%
Total:1,111100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:54952.24%44.1 years
Females:50247.76%46.6 years
Total:1,051100%45.2 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:1,04996.15%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:60.55%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:191.74%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:173.30%
Total Population:1,091100%
Total Native Population:1,05596.70%
Total Foreign-born Population:363.30%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $68,500, which is far less than the state median ($87,556), is up $17,534 (34.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,833. Family households earn a median of $87,292 versus $50,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $37,292). By gender, male median income is $54,191 and female is $45,298, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($59,330), with a current gap of $8,893 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 69.2%, which is higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.2%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (27.9%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$50,966$53,042$53,036$54,875$47,375$54,167$62,550$63,235$65,667$70,268$71,250$68,438$68,500
Median Family Income$68,571$64,231$67,625$69,048$64,583$70,109$71,818$74,297$75,250$80,294$84,545$90,417$87,292
Median NonFamily Income$24,145$23,839$21,750$21,607$22,313$32,500$33,750$38,393$40,357$43,636$38,333$47,596$50,000
Median Male Income$36,563$40,139$40,833$43,438$40,417$41,875$41,471$41,406$43,047$46,250$51,875$53,558$54,191
Median Female Income$29,643$30,871$31,983$33,056$38,438$40,104$40,455$40,179$41,563$43,125$41,944$44,063$45,298
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:60569.06%
Unemployed:10.11%
Not In Labor Force:27030.82%
Total:876100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:16927.93%
Service:10216.86%
Sales and Office:8213.55%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:8714.38%
Production, transportation, and material moving:16527.27%
Total Civilian Employed Population:605100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $114,400, which is well under the state median ($305,500), is up $38,300 (50.33%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $16,500. The median gross rent is $738, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $238 (47.60%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $125. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.05% (42.82% with a mortgage, 57.18% free-and-clear) and renters 15.95% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 9.90%, which is markedly below the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$76,100$76,800$77,400$77,300$77,100$86,700$89,500$90,000$97,900$98,900$110,600$111,200$114,400
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:79.46%
$500 to $999:4459.46%
$1,000 to $1,499:1114.86%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:1216.22%
Total:74100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$500$535$569$555$597$603$625$655$613$575$575$738$738
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):16735.99%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):22348.06%
Renter Occupied:7415.95%
Total Occupied Housing Units:464100%

Occupied Housing Units:46490.10%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):519.90%
Total Housing Units:515100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:48193.40%
Multi-Family Units:81.55%
Other Units:265.05%
Total Housing Units:515100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 18.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (38.80%). High school or higher is 95.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 2.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 42.80%, which is notably higher than the state rate (34.10%). The share of people in poverty is 5.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 1.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.50 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (58.11%). College enrollment is 9.91%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:70.90%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:303.84%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):24731.59%
Some college, no degree:25132.10%
Associate's degree:10513.43%
Bachelor's degree:11414.58%
Graduate or professional degree:283.58%
Total:782100%
High school or higher:74595.27%
Bachelor's degree or higher:14218.16%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:82762.89%
Public Insurance:46135.06%
No Insurance:272.05%
Total:1,315100%
Has Health Insurance:1,28897.95%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty7.1%9.2%9.2%10.7%12.3%9.3%4.7%6.2%4.9%3.9%3.4%5.1%5.4%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:94.05%
Kindergarten:146.31%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):12958.11%
High school (grades 9-12):4821.62%
College or graduate school:229.91%
Total:222100%
Early Childhood:2310.36%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):19186.04%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 56137 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 25 business establishments, employing about 114 people with an annual payroll of $6,802,000. USPS data shows 361 residential mailboxes and 4 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:361Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:4Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:508Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:332Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:29Source: USPS
# of Businesses:25Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$1,575,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$6,802,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:114Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 56137 is located in Jackson County, Minnesota, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Minnesota's 1st and 7th Congressional Districts. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 56137. It covers 112.878 sq mi of land and a water area of 3.804 sq mi.

CBSA Name:--Source: Census
CBSA Number:--Source: Census
CBSA Type:--Source: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:112.878 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:3.804 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01,07Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:11973.99, 33429.31 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2728700Source: Census
Place Name:Heron Lake city; MinnesotaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


56138 | | 56136

Schools in ZIP Code 56137


ZIP Code 56137 is in the Heron Lake-Okabena School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Heron Lake-Okabena Elementary 321 Stearns Ave
Heron Lake, MN 56137
District: Heron Lake-Okabena School District
St Johns Lutheran School 100 W Market St
Okabena, MN 56161
District: Private SchoolNearby
Immanuel Lutheran School 620 Bush St
Lakefield, MN 56150
District: Private SchoolNearby
Worthington Christian School 1770 Eleanor St
Worthington, MN 56187
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 56137


Avalon School Of Cosmetology 1428 N Mcmillan St
Worthington, MN 56187
Type: Post Secondary
Faust Institute Of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake 1543 18th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Type: Post Secondary
Iowa Lakes Community College 19 S 7th St
Estherville, IA 51334-2295
Type: Post Secondary
Southwest Minnesota State University 1501 State St
Marshall, MN 56258-5468
Type: Post Secondary
Martin Luther College 1995 Luther Ct
New Ulm, MN 56073-3965
Type: Post Secondary
Northwest Iowa Community College 603 W Park St
Sheldon, IA 51201
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov